Industry News
Alta Ski Area is confronting significant issues with its Supreme lift, a detachable quad with an eight-degree turn, due to accelerated metal fatigue. General Manager Mike Maughan disclosed that the lift’s chairs have sustained damage over time from passing through numerous canted sheave assemblies. “Every one of those [chair pans] is cracked significantly,” Maughan informed the Alta Town Council. Engineers have determined that the chairs, grips, and the bend itself are experiencing accelerated fatigue.
Background and Initial Design
When constructed in 2017, Supreme replaced the Cecret and Supreme chairs that previously ran in different alignments, according to The Lift Blog. The new high-speed quad was initially designed to include an angle station near the top of the old Cecret chair, allowing beginners to unload. However, due to cost concerns, Alta opted for a unique bend design that kept chairs moving at full speed through a line turn. This design aimed to minimize tree cutting and ground disturbance. While Doppelmayr declined to bid on the bend design, Alta proceeded with Leitner-Poma, and the new Supreme lift opened for the 2017-18 season. The Lift Blog reports that the chair was reported as “bumpy and jarring” from the start. Last winter, Alta tested a different Leitner chair design to smooth the rough ride.
Future Plans and Options
Alta is now considering two potential solutions. The first option involves rebuilding the lift in a straight path between the top and bottom terminals, which would necessitate replacing every tower and terminal foundation, The Lift Blog reports. “All the equipment would be re-used with maybe a few new towers added to the mix,” Maughan explained. The second, less likely option is to keep both terminals in place and construct a full-angle station where the bend currently exists. Alta is analyzing to determine the best course of action. “We approached the Forest Service, and they are open to the realignment approach, which would result in a simpler lift with fewer moving parts and less wear and tear,” Maughan said. Regardless of the chosen solution, the project is slated for summer 2025.
The Supreme lift is expected to continue operating for the upcoming winter with chairs either repaired or replaced as necessary. The lift has operated safely for seven years, and thorough inspections identified the issue before any incidents occurred. Alta will collaborate closely with the Forest Service, Leitner-Poma, and the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee to ensure solutions that are safe and lasting.
Alta Ski Area is committed to addressing the challenges posed by the Supreme lift’s accelerated metal fatigue. With a focus on safety and long-term sustainability, the ski area is exploring major modifications to ensure the lift’s continued operation. The project, targeted for summer 2025, will involve significant planning and collaboration with various stakeholders to determine the most effective solution.
A couple folks tipped me off to the two Leitner “comfort chairs” that appeared at the base of @AltaSkiArea’s Supreme detachable quad. I’m told they’re part of a test to possibly make the line turn less jarring. 📷: @ozskier pic.twitter.com/a9z7RNBI3z
— Lift Blog (@liftblog) February 21, 2024
